Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The Fishback Block in 1872

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

1. The Fishback Block in 1872 Marker

Inscription.

In 1870, ground was broken for the three-story Fishback Block on the site of Jeremiah Kannady's blacksmith shop which manufactured Bowie knives for the Confederate Army. The builder, future Gov. William Meade Fishback (1831-1903), named the 7,000 square foot third floor ballroom after his wife, Adelaide Miller Fishback. Adelaide Hall quickly became the scene of grand balls, beautiful dinner parties, wedding receptions, public meetings and firey political gatherings. City Hall was relocated here. In 1885 the building burned to the ground. Fishback's new two-story building in the same style would be named Adelaide Hall in honor of his wife who had died three years earlier. 110 years later, Adelaide Hall was purchased and completely restored by Richard and Jaunice Griffin.

Erected 2012 by City of Fort Smith and Others.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 35° 23.309′ N, 94° 25.61′ W. Marker is in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Sebastian County. Marker is at the intersection of Garrison Avenue (U.S. 64) and 4th Street, on the right when traveling east on Garrison Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 403 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith AR 72901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. 1908 Reunion of U.S. Marshals (a few steps from this marker); Vogel & Wallace (a few steps from this marker); W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 (within shouting distance of this marker); Marble Hall in 1863 (within shouting distance of this marker); Reynolds - Davis Wholesale Grocery Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Phoenix Block (about 500 feet away); First Butterfield Overland Mail Coach (about 500 feet away); First National Bank (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.

More about this marker. The markers in this series are placed so that viewers can only read them from the sidewalk while facing the historical subject of the marker.

Also see . . .
1. Adelaide Hall, Fort Smith. (Submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Historical plaques placed in downtown Fort Smith. (Submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

2. The Fishback Block in 1872 Marker

The Fishback Block in 1872 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

3. The Fishback Block in 1872

Photograph found in the Fort Smith History Museum. Fishback Block is the fourth building from the right to left.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

4. The Fishback Block in 1872

The Fishback Block 2012 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

5. The Fishback Block 2012

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

6. The Fishback Block in 1872 Marker

The Fishback Block in 1872 Marker (back) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016

7. The Fishback Block in 1872 Marker (back)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 7. submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.